MUMBAI: Influential filmmaker and founder of Yash Raj Films, Yash Chopra, received an honorary professorship from Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin at a special event in Mumbai on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Bollywood films on 14 August.

The prestigious award, which recognises Chopra‘s outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, was conferred on the veteran filmmaker by the university‘s Vice Provost for Global Relations, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer.

Accepting the honour, Chopra said, "I am humbled to receive this honour from the renowned Trinity College Dublin. In this, the hundredth year of Indian cinema, I am privileged to still be an active member of a fraternity that I have been a part of for almost 60 years. Cinema, with its global reach, has brought us all closer, and given us the opportunity to be familiar with and enjoy the varied cultures of our beautiful world."

Commented Professor Ohlmeyer, "Yash Chopra is one of the most influential filmmakers of our time. This honorary professorship pays tribute to a dazzling career that has spanned five decades during which he has succeeded in breaking down geographical barriers by enamouring his Indian audience with overseas locations.

This award has promoted the possibility of a Bollywood module being developed for students at Trinity College Dublin‘s School of Drama, Film and Music, further strengthening Irish educational ties with India."

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland‘s oldest and most prestigious university, is ranked 21st in Europe and 65th in the world by the 2011 QS World University rankings.

Last year, Yash Raj Films‘ Ek Tha Tiger was shot on location at Trinity College, Dublin. This was the first time that a Bollywood film was shot in Ireland.